BREAKING: Jesse Cornett Not Running for Mayor

Jesse Cornett, a Lents neighborhood activist and a rumored candidate for Mayor of Portland, told GoLocalPDX on Wednesday that he would not be running for Mayor against State Treasurer Ted Wheeler.

Cornett had been tapped as a potential candidate by Mayor Charlie Hales after Hales announced he would not seek re-election. Cornett told GoLocal last week that he was considering running for the office.

“I’ve enjoyed thinking aloud in recent weeks about the notion of being the Mayor of Portland,” Cornett told GoLocal in a statement. “The bottom line is that unseating an incumbent in this city is darn near impossible. A political outsider unseating someone with all the power of incumbency without the trappings of a voting record would be absolutely so. That would be my challenge if I were to take on State Treasurer Ted Wheeler.”

Cornett cited reports that Multnomah County Commissioner Jules Bailey would enter the Mayor’s race, and said he was glad that Portland would get a “strong Mayor’s race.”

READ CORNETT’S FULL STATEMENT BELOW

I’ve enjoyed thinking aloud in recent weeks about the notion of being the Mayor of Portland. The bottom line is that unseating an incumbent in this city is darn near impossible. A political outsider unseating someone with all the power of incumbency without the trappings of a voting record would be absolutely so. That would be my challenge if I were to take on State Treasurer Ted Wheeler.

Portland deserves a strong Mayor’s race. It appears we will get one. I am excited to see that County Commissioner Jules Bailey is seriously considering the race. Additionally, his apparent decision to limit campaign contributions would send a powerful message to the voters in Portland: this election cannot be bought and the people’s voice is as important as special interests and of state corporations.

Two things this exploration has taught me: I have a job that I love and even this process has taken from that and the volunteer work I do in the community. I look forward to continuing to do both and with the focus that has eluded me during this process.

No matter who prevails in this race, I hope they ensure the city develops a laser-like focus on resolving homelessness, ensures the city keeps its promises to EastPortland, and prioritizes transparency in City Hall. That’s the least our neighbors deserve.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Editor's Note: Jesse Cornett is a former contributor to GoLocalPDX.com

Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler was joined by the press and many close friends, family members, and supporters on the rooftop of Revolution Hall off of SE Stark so that he could officially make his candidacy announcement for Portland mayor in the 2016 mayoral race.